2012 U.S. Barbecue Competition Calendar

When it comes to competitive barbecue festivals and contests, there are more certifying organizations than those that ruled heavyweight boxing in the ’80s and pro wresting in the ’90s — combined.

Like the Avignon popes, the world of barbecue has experienced its share of schisms and disagreements, but most of these divisions have been formed to feature a particular regional style of cooking or specific meats being smoked over a wood fire.